Hi! My name is Elin Nowak, and for those who don’t know me, I’m a 20-year-old junior at San Diego State University, majoring in Journalism with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Outside of the classroom, I stay busy running, writing for SDSU’s student newspaper, and traveling to new places with my climbing club. I also work part-time at Shake Smart, a protein smoothie shop on campus. With a full course load and multiple extracurricular commitments, working full-time just isn’t an option for me right now.

This leads me to why I started this GoFundMe. SDSU offers a summer international internship program that allows students to travel abroad and guarantees an internship aligned with their major. I’ve been itching for an opportunity like this, specifically a Digital Marketing internship in Rome, Italy—a city I’ve dreamed of experiencing for years.

Unfortunately, these programs come at a high cost. They don’t offer financial aid and rely on limited scholarships that aren’t guaranteed. On top of the program fee, I would also be responsible for paying for my flights and daily meals, which quickly adds up.

I’m actively trying to find time for an additional side job, but even with that effort, I know I’ll need some extra help. Scholarships and loans are unpredictable, so I’m reaching out in hopes of making this opportunity possible with your support.

This experience would truly be once in a lifetime. Not only would it allow me to immerse myself in a new culture, but it would also give me hands-on professional experience that would significantly strengthen my resume and help shape my future career in journalism and digital media. Any contribution—big or small—means more than I can express, and I’m incredibly grateful for your support, encouragement, and belief in me. Thank you so much for helping me take this next step.